What’s the best nonfiction book you read in 2025?
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The best nonfiction book I read in 2025 is not a new book but definitely an impactful book. When Breath Becomes Air was a deeply insightful book by Paul Kalanithi. Even though it was written a decade ago, the subject is timeless. Dr. Kalanithi was chief resident of neurosurgery when he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Written from the perspective of a patient who was also a doctor, this book is one that will stay with me for a long time.
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There were several that stood out for me that I’d actually call favorites: Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood; Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton; and The Invention of Charlotte Brontë by Graham Watson. My favorite, though, was The Wager by David Grann - probably because I really like history, and that one was fast-paced and quite interesting.
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I read that one when it came out, @Michelle_S, and I agree that it was a stand-out. It’s stayed with me all this time, too.
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My Favorite Nonfiction Book of 2025: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, by Isabel Wilkerson
Why? I am in awe. I am in awe of author Isabel Wilkerson and her masterful ability to write this impressive epic account. I am in awe of this remarkable book. If all history books were written like this one, everyone would read history—and love it. I am in awe of all those who made the Great Migration—for their courage, fortitude, and ability to envision an unknown future in a strange land that was not particularly welcoming.
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I read so many great nonfiction books but the one that will stay with me is The Power Broker by Robert Caro. It was so heavily researched and beautifully written. Because of it being a tome I did a buddy read with two friends and we met every two weeks to discuss what we had just read. Some connection to the book seems to come up regularly in news or other reading. Remarkable!
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Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks. I’m not a big fan of memoirs, but this was chosen for a discussion and I loved it.
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Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green. I learned so much from this book. The author’s deep research was evident on every page. Having written several young adult best sellers including Looking for Alaska and Turtles All the Way Down, he knew how to keep the reader’s attention on a scientific topic, as well as present the social, economic, and personal aspects.
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I read quite a few wonderful non-fiction books in 2025. The following were my favorite non-fiction reads, including the top two which were beautifully written “quiet” reads:
The Place of Tides by James Rebanks.(non-fiction / nature / travel, Norway)
Summers in Squid Tickle by Robert Finch. (non-fiction / memoir / travel, Newfoundland)
Madame Fourcade’s Secret War by Lynne Olson. (non-fiction / amazing women / history)
Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane (non-fiction / nature / conservation - call-to-action)
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It’s a toss-up between “How We Learn to Be Brave” by Bishop Mariann Budde and “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
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I definitely need to read this one too! Thanks for the rec!
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The Serviceberry is such good medicine for troubled times.
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Who Is Government? Was an excellent read. Ann Patchett recommended it on The Laydown Diaries, as it puts names and faces to federal government workers and the crucial work they do.
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I agree! And we need all we can get.
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Thanks, @Carol_Ann_Robb and @Holly_Batsell - I need all the “good medicine for troubled times” books I can find!
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Since you liked The Wager, have you read the author’s The Killers of the Flower Moon? It’s one of my favorite non-fictions. The Lost City of Z is also good, but is not at the level of the other two.
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Yup! I’ve read all three and completely agree with your assessment. 
| The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. It is a surprising and remarkable story of Hedy Lamarr. I was not aware of the outstanding contributions she made from a scientific and influential perspective until reading this captivating novel. She actually developed the concept for tools and apparatus how to successfully affect our abilities in weaponry. Her input saved thousands of lives. Against all odds she was persistent in making it known to those males in charge, at a time when women were not very acceptable in military discussions, nor were they able to attend governmental meetings of any real importance. Because the book was so enjoyable and informative, I looked for other books by the same author, The Author, Marie Benedict, published another book, “Clementine”. Clementine is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston Churchill. I was amazed at the level of involvement she had in Churchill’s everyday decision making. Both excellent reads. |
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That was a phenomenal story. Our local book club was so impressed with it that several members met a few additional times just discuss and share ideas for next stage needs planning.
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I love Marie Benedict and highly recommend The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of Belle da Costa Greene, a self educated Black woman who passed as white and became the curator of JP Morgan’s library. She traveled extensively to auctions on his behalf and acquired the treasures that made this one of the finest libraries of rare manuscripts, artwork & books. She bested most of her male competitors.
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